Community Health Needs Assessment those who received medical treatment for chronic health conditions. In 2011, 154 children enrolled in the Early Head Start and Head Start programs received treatment for chronic health conditions including: • • • • • •
Anemia (10.4%) Asthma (60.4%) Hearing Difficulties (7%) Overweight (11.7%) Vision Problems (8.4%) High Lead Levels (1.9%)
During the 2009-2010 Head Start program year, 45.6% of preschoolers were found to have body mass indices (BMI) that indicated they were overweight or at risk for being overweight. They report that most parents and many care providers are unwilling to address this health issue. All children with a BMI at or above the 95th, or below the 5th, percentile were offered additional services, although few parents expressed interest in receiving assistance. TAP Head Start has a registered dietitian on staff that ensures meals served to children meet the USDA dietary requirements. She is available to work one-on-one with families and teachers as needed.133 Mental and behavioral health issues continue to be some of the greatest challenges Head Start teachers and families face. Teachers continue to report a high number of behavioral changes in the classroom while there continues to be a lack of community mental health providers who treat infants, toddlers and preschoolers. The number of children receiving behavioral health services has increased drastically. In 2009-2010, the Behavioral Health Coordinator consulted staff about 93 children, and provided an individual mental health assessment for 63 of these children, referring 32 for mental health services. Funds and program time have dedicated to preparing staff to address the psychosocial needs of the children and their families. School-based Care In 2011, the Roanoke City Public Schools privatized its school nurse program. Carilion Clinic currently contracts with the schools where there is a school nurse in each of the 17 elementary schools, four middle schools, two high schools and two alternative schools (shared position) in the city. School nurse services include: • • • • 133
Provide acute and emergency health care Assist in performing state mandated health screenings Plan and/or implement in-school care for students with chronic or ongoing illnesses Administer or supervise medication administration
TAP Head Start December 2010, 2010-2011 Community Assessment
Page | 132